Chapter 6
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Dad used to sneak me out for food, not because he wanted to play favorites but because Trinity’s health was fragile. She couldn’t
eat fast food, and Dad didn’t want to take away what little childhood joy I had.
Mom and Dad had always tried to treat us equally, but somehow, Trinity had still grown resentful.
She looked down at me, smugness and amusement written all over her face.
“I’d actually known about Dad’s affair for a long time. I was the one who covered for him. That woman is amazing. She’s way
prettier than Mom, way softer, and, more importantly, she’s rich. She bought me anything I wanted.
“But, oh, how unlucky. Dad just ended up getting caught the same day he took you to meet her for the first time. You’re really that
unlucky, huh?”
My head snapped up, and I glared at Trinity, rage surging through me. I wanted to rip her apart.
That day, Dad took me out to see that woman. Once I set foot in the house, I drank a glass of water she offered me and passed out.
Ever since then, I carried the weight of this accusation.
Mom and all my relatives believed I was a traitor, an ungrateful child who helped Dad cheat. But I had never known a damn thing!
Mom never believed me. Instead, she resented me. And under Trinity’s constant whispers, the resentment turned to pure hatred.
“And Mom? She’s so easy to fool. Every time I pretended you bullied me, she believed it right away. Then, of course, I selflessly told her not to be mad at you. That just made her hate you more. After all, you helped her husband cheat. You even got him killed.
“Oh, by the way, Tegan. I used some of Nate’s money to pay off the doctor. I had him tell Mom that your condition isn’t that bad
and that you still have ten years left. You’re welcome.”
Just as she turned to leave, she gave me one last pitying look. “Tonight, Nate’s taking me to a charity auction. He says he wants to do something good and build up some blessings for my upcoming surgery. Oh, right, both of my kidneys are getting replaced in
two days.”
The moment the door clicked shut behind her, whatever light remained in my eyes flickered out completely.
Nathan had money–more than enough to buy Trinity two new kidneys.
I let my eyes drift shut, surrendering to the endless dark.
When I opened them again, I saw a body I was very familiar with. She was lying on the floor, curled up, her face pale and lifeless.
I crouched down, reaching out to touch myself, but my hand passed right through. I tried to grab the phone, then the bed.
Nothing.
